Friday, January 16, 2009

Full Size Cans: Goldring DR-150.

The British Goldring DR-150 open back dynamic headphones have been regarded by many to be in the same league as the Sennheiser HD-650 but at a much lower price. There are two other models, the DR-50 and the DR-100 in this series

This is the top of the range model in the Goldring line, the highly acclaimed DR-150, exploits both state of the art driver design and advanced cable technology, to produce a headphone which represents an unequalled combination of luxury, affordability and sonic performance.

DR150 Headphones Features:

  • Dynamic open back system for superior sound staging and imaging
  • High quality headband and circumaural ear cushions provide luxury feel and ultracomfort for extended listening periods
  • QED designed detachable 3m cable featuring 99.999% pure silver plated oxygen free signal conductors with gold plated plugs to ensure every nuance of sound quality is maintained from source to headphone
  • Reference 40mm drivers with neodymium magnet and titanium film diaphragms for optimum sensitivity and extended frequency response
  • Gold plated 3.5mm to 6.5mm (1/4 inch Jack) adapter plug supplied

Having had sometime with these headphones I am pleased to say that I am extremely pleased with these open back dynamic cans. They are very dynamic and bright but not in an overly bearing manner. They are definitely great for listening to Jazz and give a very airy and realistic atmosphere to the music which is exactly what I would expect when listening to Jazz pieces. Clinically detailed and exact with a decent wide sound stage. I suspect that the ratings I have given could be further improved after further burning in and a possible further cable upgrade, the beauty of this headphone is that the cable is detachable and I will be experimenting with some expensive silver cable soon. The stock cable is decent cable manufactured by QED, which is already silver plated. This pair of headphones have great potential and would be classed in the mid-high tier open dynamic league. Here are my parameter ratings and would I recommend them yes:

Review Parameter Ratings:

Bass Extension 8.0 Bass Impact 8.0
Bass Quality 7.0 Mids Quality 6.8
Highs Quality 6.8 Soundstage 7.0
Detail 7.7 Portability 2.5
Isolation 2.7 Comfort 7.0
Value 7.5

DR150 Headphones Specifications

Impedance 32 Ohm
Frequency Response 18Hz - 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion (1Vrms @ 1kHz) <0.2%
Sound Pressure Level (1Vrms @ 1kHz) 110dB
Weight (with cable) 330g

No comments: